Almost half of Flemish companies were a victim of cyber attack last year

The digitization is indispensable, not even in the business world. More and more companies are using e-commerce, social networks, artificial intelligence (AI), electronic invoicing, … But that digital growth also has a downside, in particular an increase in the number of cyber attacks on companies. Last year it was almost one in two companies.

« This underlines the urgent need for robust security in an increasingly digital world, » says Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA).

There is clear work to be done. Although a large majority of companies (71 percent) think they are well protected against cyber attacks, it appears, especially at SMEs that procedures and measures are often insufficient.

There are also positive signals. For example, more and more companies are getting their budget for cyber security. Half of the companies spent as much on cyber security as the year before, half spent more than in 2023. In addition, more companies use the improvement processes that the government offers. In 2024 it concerned 222 companies, four times more than the year before. « Proof that our approach works and responds to real needs, » says Prime Minister Diependaele.

« Cyber ​​safety is no longer a side issue, » says the head of government, « she is essential for the continuity, image and competitiveness of our Flemish companies. » According to him, a digitally strong Flanders must also be a « cyber -weatherable Flanders ». (LLA)